Ecology
In undisturbed to slightly disturbed (open sites) in mixed dipterocarp,
swamp and sub-montane forests up to 1700 m altitude. Also common around villages (usually coppiced).
Usually on alluvial sites and near or along rivers and streams. Also found on limestone.

Uses
In Malaysia and East New Britain, the pounded leaves are used for poulticing cuts and skin
complaints in general. It is placed upon the head in fever, and as a general anodyne for
body pains. In the Central Province in Papua New Guinea, a decoction of the shoots is applied
to sores. In the Oro province the body is beaten for some time with leafy shoots to relieve
body pains, fevers and sleeplessness. In Malaysia, a decoction of the roots is taken to relieve
stomach-ache. In Java, the leaves are applied as a poultice for headache. In the Moluccas, the
leaves pounded with coconut oil are heated and applied to cuts and wounds. In Thailand, the root
is considered antipyretic and diaphoretic. It is used to relieve muscular pain, and is an ingredient
of a preparation to treat leucorrhoea, intestinal cancer and cancer of the uterus. In the Manus
Province, Papua New Guinea, young shoots are chewed to relieve a severe cough. In India, the roots
are used in diarrhoea, colic, dysentery and as a sudorific. The leaves are roasted and applied to
the head for vertigo. The tender shoots are used as a vegetable and the fruits are edible.

Distribution
India, Sri Lanka and southern China to New Guinea, Australia and the western Pacific.